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JONESBOROUGH, TN - The Historic Jonesborough Dance Society will hold the third in a series of preseason contra dance workshops on Tuesday December 27th from 7-9 p.m. at the Visitors Center, 117 Boone Street, in Jonesborough. The workshop, which will be conducted by Diane Silver from Asheville, NC, is free and open to all who are interested in learning contra dance.
Silver has been referred to as a die-hard contra dancer, swing dancer and kitchen flat-footer for over 10 years. With a penchant for hot modern contras and a few active squares, she loves sharing high-energy dancing that allows everyone to "play" with the band. Silver is highly acclaimed for her clear, efficient teaching and calling, creative medleys, great positive energy and spirit of community building. Dancers are sure to receive a sizzling evening of dance in a friendly, welcoming tone. Silver's motto is "I can't believe this much fun is legal!".
Paul Moore, who has been a musician in the Asheville area for over 30 years, will provide live music for the dance workshop. He currently plays with several area bands, including Curious George and Fashion Horse. His dance/piano music has entertained many - especially in the folk dance and waltz movement.
"Moore's dance takes place on the keyboard," says Wiley, "but he'll tell you he feels like he is as much a part of the dance as any dancer out on the floor. He's been looking forward to the day when he could perform his music with his wife Amy, brother Charlie (on bass) and Charlie's son, Colin. Their new group, Squeeze, will drive the contra dance with power and grace."
Wiley adds, "We're likely to see Paul break out the accordion to be accompanied by Amy on the piano. Amy's parents live in Jonesborough. I told them how wonderful it would be to have a live band for our last workshop. The timing couldn't have been better for their debut performance." Moore will play again at one of the regular scheduled contra dances on March 4th with the group Fashion Horse.
"The interest in the community is building for contra dance," says Wiley. "We had 65 dancers on Tuesday night December 13th - not bad for the holiday season. Many more would have been there were it not for other commitments. Our first dance on Friday, January 6th is shaping up to be a huge event."
Please call Wiley, (423) 913-3246, with questions or visit the organization's web site at www.historicjonesboroughdancesociety.org.
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